The Fishkeeper Friend

If this hasn’t become clear already, I love gourami fish. There’s a lot of options on the market, but when it comes to hardiness and color, I doubt you’ll find another candidate like them. In this article, I wanted to go over five of my favorite variations of gouramis, as well as the basics to making them thrive.

#5 Kissing Gourami

Despite its name, the kissing gourami actually has a slightly aggressive deposition. They come in a couple different color styles, from pale pinks to silver-greens. They have a very basic light coloring and would stand out against a black substrate.

Tank size: These guys need space to spread out, and tanks should only be at least 50 gallons. Adults get to be about six (6) inches in length, but due to their behavior they need more overall area than other gouramis.

Water Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22.2 – 27.7°C) 

PH: 6 – 8.8

Disposition: As I have already hinted, the kissing gourami is an aggressive mannered fish at times. Their “kissing” is actually a way of resolving territorial or courtship disputes. As juveniles, the kissing gourami may do well in a community tank, but adults will likely only tolerate others of the same species in their aquarium. They will likely attack smaller fish. Kissing gouramis and their behaviors can be a handful, so make sure you can accommodate them properly.

#4 Sparkling Gourami

In the crowd of large gouramis, a sparkling gourami will stand out! Also known as the pygmy gourami, it is actually much smaller than the dwarf gourami (#3). It loves a good vegetated tank. This fish has a dazzling arrangement of spots on its fins and body, almost resembling the coloring of a fancy guppy in some ways. 

Tank size: These guys are small, with an adult size of 1.5 inches. They would love tanks that are around ten (10) to fifteen (15) gallons. Sparkling gouramis enjoy larger groups of at least six (6) as they are schooling like most gouramis.

Water Temperature: 76°F -82°F

PH: 6-7

Disposition: Sparkling Gouramis are small but active fish that would do well in a community tank, as long as they do have a school of their own kind too. While it may be tempting to get one to live alone in a smaller tank, these fish do significantly better in a group. Make sure to give this  gourami a planted tank to make it feel more at home.

#3 Dwarf Gourami

Probably one of the most popular gouramis, the dwarf gourami is also among the most colorful. If you treat these little guys right, their colors will peak. Do the opposite, and they will likely lose their lust. 

Tank size: since they’re smaller gouramis, with an adult size of anywhere from 2-5 inches, the tank should be about 20 to 25 gallons for a pair to be comfortable (they don’t like living alone).

Water Temperature: 72 – 82°F (22.2 – 27.7°C) 

PH: 6.8 – 7.8

Disposition: Dwarf gouramis follow their name; they are shy and usually small fish. They won’t make much trouble in your tank. However, they do like to stay together as they are schooling fish. Their stunning electric-blue stripes will pop out among your other classic fish and overall are a good match for a community tank with other medium sized fish.

#2 Three-spot Gourami

No, the white dots on the three-spot’s tail aren’t Ich. Their striking colors are completed with three spots running along their sides and a beautiful silver-blue background. This fish will leave you stunned in all its shiny glory!

Tank size: Another six-inch (6) fish, this gourami will thrive in a 30-gallon tank, which is a good bargain compared to some of the other sizes gouramis demand.

PH: 6.5 – 7.5 

Water Temperature: 73 – 82°F

Disposition: These gouramis live for up to five years, so make sure to pair them right! They are generally peaceful, but males can be aggressive. Other aggressive fish in the same tank will likely lead to stress for you and your fish. Otherwise, these fish are relatively easy to care for.

#1 Pearl Gourami

Okay, maybe it’s just me, but pearl gouramis are just the best! Friendly and peaceful, the only thing you have to watch out for are their long, beautiful fins. Their hypnotizing pattern of spots will leave your tank with a rather unique effect.  

Tank size: These fish can get up to six (6) square inches as adults, and should be housed in at least a 30-gallon for one gourami. Add about 7 gallons for another gourami.

Water Temperature: 77 – 82°F (25 – 27.7°C) 

PH: 6.5 – 8

Disposition: Like I said before, Pearl Gouramis are gentle giants. They do well in community tanks, as long as the other fish aren’t prone to stress them or fin-nip. A couple you should keep separate from Pearl Gouramis are tiger barbs, angelfish, and zebra danios. These guys would do great with other peaceful breeds. 

Any gourami can thrive in your tank today! As long as you give them adequate space and company, these fish can become an iconic piece of your aquarium for a long time. I am excited to announce that soon I will have some of my own gourami fish in my tank very soon, so stay tuned the official update!